I've been debating all week, if I should send out this week's newsletter... if I should post to social media... if I should get out of the bed... if I should go to church... if I should take a shower... if I should smile. Grief is a beast, but God is still good. My papa passed away early Monday morning. I was awaken from my sleep with a text from father stating that things weren't looking good and that he was rushing to the nursing home. Next thing I know, I'm on Facetime with my fiancé crying and praying that my papa is okay.

To my surprise, he was dead when my sister and I arrived at the nursing home. I'm telling you all of this to remind you that life is fleeting. Are you using your days wisely?

I could go on and on about the times my papa showed up for me. He never missed a birthday, a graduation or any type of celebration. For that, I am forever grateful.

My papa was one of my biggest cheerleaders although he really didn't like social media or the internet. Crazy, right?

He didn't understand what my actual "business" was but he never hesitated to push me to invest in it, to take trips, to chase my dreams, etc. My papa was truly one of my closest friends. We could talk about anything and quite honestly between him and my dad, I didn't get many words in.

Honestly, I got way more from our bond than I put in.

Do you have special people like my papa in your life? Cherish them. Laugh with them. Take care of them.

Chase your dreams in their honor and make them proud. Papa's death is a reminder that life is short and tomorrow isn't promised.

I want to remind you that nothing can separate you from the love of God. Stay encouraged!

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 NIV